'THE 'CHILDREN' OF VISHY ANAND ARE ON THE LOOSE' - REMARKS GARRY KASPAROV AFTER GUKESH'S TRIUMPH AT CANDIDATES
Russian chess icon Garry Kasparov described it as "the Indian earthquake in Toronto" as he praised teenage Grandmaster D Gukesh for achieving the distinction of becoming the youngest ever challenger for the world title. This achievement, according to Kasparov, is a significant shift in the global order of the game, akin to "shifting tectonic plates."
At just 17 years old, Gukesh surpassed a record set four decades ago by Kasparov himself. In 1984, at the age of 22, Kasparov became the youngest challenger at that time when he qualified to face his compatriot Anatoly Karpov.
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"Congratulations! The Indian earthquake in Toronto is the culmination of the shifting tectonic plates in the chess world as the 17-year-old Gukesh D will face the Chinese champion Ding Liren for the highest title," wrote Kasparov on 'X', obliquely referring to the Russian domination of the past.
In the 14th and final round, Gukesh comfortably secured a draw against American Hikaru Nakamura, concluding the tournament with nine out of a possible 14 points. The Candidates tournament determines the challenger to the world champion.
As a result of his triumph, Gukesh earns the opportunity to face reigning world champion Ding Liren of China in the last quarter of the year.
India's five-time world champion, Viswanathan Anand, has fostered a vibrant chess culture in the country, which is now reaping the benefits of the Grandmaster's success. Thousands of young enthusiasts, mostly in their teens, are embracing chess.
Kasparov recognized Anand's profound influence on Indian chess, remarking, "The 'children' of Vishy Anand are on the loose!"
Kasparov's comment came in response to a congratulatory tweet from the Grand Chess Tour following Gukesh's accomplishment.
"Congratulations to Gukesh D for his victory in the FIDE Candidates, securing his place as a challenger in the World Championship Match! We eagerly anticipate his participation in our grand chess tour events!," wrote Grand Chess Tour on 'X'.
In another social media post Kasparov highlighted the shift in power centre of chess, saying, "Look at the names of many of the top junior players in the USA and England to see that the Chinese and Indian diaspora are just as passionate to achieve at chess.
"The Kasparov Chess Foundation has watched this wave rise and Gukesh's success will raise it further," Kasparov, the undisputed world champion from 1985 till 1993, wrote on 'X'.
After a disagreement with the international chess federation (FIDE), Kasparov established a competing organization called the Professional Chess Association. He held the world No. 1 ranking for an unprecedented 255 months in total, spanning from 1984 until he retired from regular competitive chess in 2005.